Abstract: A centrifuge cup insert having an outer container and an inner container disposed therein with a spacer means between the containers to afford a reservoir between the containers capable of holding a liquid, the reservoir communicating with the atmosphere; associated apparatus for weighing the cup insert and dispensing a metered amount of fluid into the reservoir; and a method of using the cup insert with or without the associated apparatus.

Abstract: Plasma concentrates of vitamin-K dependent clotting factors of reduced thrombogenic potential useful for clinical replacement therapy in deficiency diseases of these clotting factors are provided. Preferably, concentrates substantially devoid of zymogens extraneous to the deficient factor are employed.

Abstract: This invention affords a filtration method and apparatus for extracting cell produced antiviral substances (CPAS) from a production broth using cross-flow membrane filtration. The broth is perfused into a first filtration cell and caused to cross-flow across an ultrafiltration membrane in the cell, permitting a first filtrate to pass through the membrane consisting essentially of CPAS and some molecular species and retaining in a first ex-filtrate all remaining portions of the broth.

Abstract: A method for the heat stabilization of a plasma protein such as C1-INA or Factor IX comprising heating the protein in an aqueous medium in the presence of potassium or ammonium citrate in an amount of from in excess of 2.0 M to saturation of the medium. The method is particularly applicable to the stabilization of plasma proteins against thermal denaturation during pasteurization.

Abstract: An antibody-specific solid phase immunoadsorbent is prepared by adsorptively binding a lipid-containing viral antigen, such as hepatitis B surface antigen, to the surface of a porous glass carrier having an average pore diameter within the range of about 40-200 nm and an adsorptive surface which within the pH range of 2-8 is capable of selectively and stably binding lipid-containing materials, employing an adsorption buffer having a pH within such range. The high adsorptive selectivity of the carrier surface for the antigen under such conditions, enables preparation of the immunoadsorbent directly from whole human plasma containing the antigen, without the necessity for prior antigen purification.

Abstract: A phasing system is provided for parallel channel continuous flow systems wherein the individual test channels have different flow times although intersample timing is constant. A phasing sample is introduced and its presence is sensed at the output of each of the parallel test channels. The presence of the phasing sample is detected by means of an analog detector, a digitizer, and a digital computation system. After detection of the phasing sample in a channel the time at which it arrives at the detector is marked. Since intersample timing is constant and the time when the sample is introduced into the parallel channels is known, the time at which subsequent samples should arrive at the detector can be established for each channel. Time zones are opened for each channel and each detector which correspond to the times plus or minus a certain tolerance at which subsequent samples can be expected to arrive.

Abstract: An antibody-specific solid phase immunoadsorbent is prepared by adsorptively binding a lipid-containing viral antigen, such as hepatitis B surface antigen, to the surface of a porous glass carrier having an average pore diameter within the range of about 40-200 nm and an adsorptive surface which within the pH range of 2-8 is capable of selectively and stably binding lipid-containing materials, employing an adsorption buffer having a pH within such range. The high adsorptive selectivity of the carrier surface for the antigen under such conditions, enables preparation of the immunoadsorbent directly from whole human plasma containing the antigen, without the necessity for prior antigen purification.

Abstract: Methods for the large scale preparation of clinical albumin are disclosed. One method includes dilution of plasma with a NaCl solution containing disodium ethylene dinitrilo tetraacetate and a stabilizer such as sodium caprylate. The resulting solution is then subjected to heating and cooling steps, followed by the addition of polyethylene glycol to precipitate impurities, with albumin remaining in the supernatant. Isoelectric precipitation is then employed to recover the desired albumin product, which is devoid of the albumin dimer. In an alternative method, ethanol is employed as the precipitating agent rather than polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Human cells or tissue in suspension or immersion in physiological solution are stored at a basic storage temperature of about 4.degree. C., and periodically subjected to a higher temperature within the range of from 25.degree.-37.degree. C. for a period of time and at intervals sufficient to inhibit irreversible losses in function and viability of the cells or tissue. The method is particularly suitable for the storage of blood platelet concentrates in plasma to be subsequently used in transfusions, enabling prolonged storage periods with improved overall effectiveness of the transfused platelets.

Abstract: Methods for the large scale preparation of clinical albumin are disclosed. One method includes dilution of plasma with a NaCl solution containing disodium ethylene dinitrilo tetraacetate and a stabilizer such as sodium caprylate. The resulting solution is then subjected to heating and cooling steps, followed by the addition of polyethylene glycol to precipitate impurities, with albumin remaining in the supernatant. Isoelectric precipitation is then employed to recover the desired albumin product, which is devoid of the albumin dimer. In an alternative method, ethanol is employed as the precipitating agent rather than polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: An improved method for preparation of purified AHF is disclosed. The method includes the cryoprecipitation of plasma, followed by a cold extraction of the cryoprecipitate at low temperature, approximately 0.degree. C, to obtain a cold insoluble fraction. The cold insoluble fraction is then extracted at approximately 21.degree. C to obtain an AHF-containing solution. By incorporating a cold extraction step to selectively remove some impurities prior to extraction of AHF from cryoprecipitate, there has been obtained a substantial increase in the purity as well as the potency of AHF without the use of any new precipitant or adsorbent in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a blood collection system comprising a combined armrest/writing/worksurface adapted to be supported for adjustable movement on a donor lounge. An upper elongated generally horizontally extending trough supports the arm of a donor during venipuncture. An inclined planar writing surface is provided for supporting documents relating to the blood being collected, with a clip means if desired to temporarily retain such documents in position. A further elongated generally horizontally extending trough functions to support various paraphernalia utilized in the collection of blood, including the blood bag, hemostats and various tools, with a tape holding means for rotatably supporting a roll of tape for easy access by a nurse.

Abstract: A stackable wheeled chair particularly for use in a mobile blood collection system. Each chair comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally inverted U-shaped leg means. Each leg means includes front and rear leg members which diverge downwardly from an upper connecting member with flared offset portion at the lower end of each of each leg member rotatably supporting a caster means. Each leg means includes a stacking member spanning its front and rear leg members and positioned below the connecting member. The stacking members includes portions resting on the connecting member of the next lower chair in a stack with side portions to preclude lateral tipping. The wheels of the caster members ride on the flared portion of the next lower chair in a stack to preclude front-to-back tipping. Substantially no other contact exists between the stacked chairs to preclude wedging.